Thomas M. Balson

Thomas M. Balson
March 1, 2011

Tom Balson, 87 of Syracuse died Tuesday at the VA hospital, after a long illness. He was born in Pottstown, PA to Michael & Mary Balson. He grew up with his two brothers and two sisters in Franklin, NJ where his father worked in the mines. He entered the Navy at 17, the first ever class of that age, in 1941, before WW2. He served as a corpsman attached to a Marine division in the Pacific theater. In 1944 he met Della Waltz, also in the Navy and they were married on Feb.11, 1945 and enjoyed 66 years together. They had their first son, Thomas Jr., in 1946, then Jim in 1948 and Bill in 1950. In addition to their 3 sons they also took in more than 20 foster children, some of whom stayed with them for more than 20 years. They lived in Syracuse, Parish, East Syracuse and Ausable Forks, NY. He worked for Crouse Hinds Co. for 32 years.

Tom was a faithful, loving husband. He was an avid outdoors-man and enjoyed wood-working. He loved spending time with his children and grand-children. Tom was a faithful Christian who's faith in his Savior was evident by how he lived. He was a member of the Liverpool Baptist Church.

He is survived by his wife Della; their 3 sons and their wives; 6 grand-children, and 11 great-grandchildren; as well a his sisters Louise and Caroline; and by his brother Harry; and several nieces and nephews.

Services will be Friday, 11AM at New Comer Funeral Home, 705 N. Main St., N. Syracuse. Burial will follow at the Onon. Co. Veteran's Cemetery. Calling hours will be Friday from 10-11AM, at the funeral home.